I’m a huge fan of 125cc motorcycles. They’re fun and easy to ride, usually rather simple machines, and they’re extremely affordable. If you want to get on a bike and not spend an arm and a leg, a small bike with a small engine size, like a 125cc motorcycle, is the way to go.
With that in mind, I wanted to take a quick look at the best 125cc motorcycles that you can buy right now in North America. There have been more bikes popping up in this segment lately, and that means you have more options than ever. Here are the five best 125cc motorcycles.
1. Honda Dax 125
The Honda Dax 125 is a recent addition to Honda’s North American miniMOTO lineup, bringing back the pressed-steel T-bone frame styling of the classic 1970s Trail 70.
Powered by the same reliable 124cc fuel-injected engine as the Trail 125, it uses a four-speed semi-automatic transmission (no clutch lever needed) and comes standard with two-person seating and front-wheel ABS, carrying a base MSRP of around $4,199.
Pros:
- Unique, retro pressed-steel backbone frame that stands out in a crowd
- Factory dual-seat setup with passenger grab rail
- Semi-automatic transmission eliminates stalling, making it extremely beginner-friendly
Cons:
- Same speed limitations as other miniMOTO models (~55 mph top speed)
- Lacks the off-road protection and rear luggage rack of the Trail 125
The Dax 125 fills the niche for riders who love vintage style and easy riding, offering retro aesthetic appeal with reliable modern electronics and braking systems.
2. Honda Monkey
The Honda Monkey shares the same fuel-injected 124cc engine and modern five-speed manual transmission as the Honda Grom, but wraps it in classic 1970s retro styling.
Featuring a plush solo seat, high handlebars, a high-mounted chrome exhaust, and standard front-wheel ABS, it carries a base MSRP around $4,399.
Pros:
- Exceptionally comfortable, thick padded solo seat and natural upright posture
- Iconic retro aesthetic complete with chrome fenders and classic Honda badging
- Standard five-speed manual transmission and front ABS
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to the Grom and Z125 Pro
- Soft dual-rear-shock suspension can feel floaty under aggressive cornering
The Monkey delivers all the reliability and performance of the Grom while offering a far more comfortable riding position and head-turning vintage charm.
3. Honda Grom
The Honda Grom remains the undisputed king of North American mini-motos. Powered by a fuel-injected 124cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, it features an approachable 30.0-inch seat height and a base MSRP of around $3,599 to $3,699.
While older models used a four-speed gearbox, current generations feature an updated five-speed manual transmission alongside an engine with a removable oil filter for simpler maintenance.
Pros:
- Enormous aftermarket support and active US/Canadian riding clubs
- Exceptional fuel economy easily topping 100 mpg
- Five-speed gearbox makes urban commuting and short 50-mph spurts much easier
Cons:
- Compact frame feels cramped for taller riders
- Not suitable or safe for North American highway speeds (max speed ~55-60 mph)
It is lightweight, agile, and purpose-built for navigating city traffic or learning motorcycle control in empty parking lots.
4. Kawasaki Z125 Pro
The Kawasaki Z125 Pro stands as the primary rival to the Honda Grom in the North American mini-moto category.
Powered by a fuel-injected 125cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, it features a four-speed manual transmission, a short 31.7-inch seat height, and an accessible base MSRP of around $3,699.
Pros:
- Aggressive Z-series streetfighter styling
- Low seat height and light curb weight make low-speed handling effortless
- Very competitive, budget-friendly starting price
Cons:
- Retains a four-speed transmission without a 5th overdrive gear
- Air-cooled engine has less top-end pull than liquid-cooled competition
With its sharp bodywork, aggressive geometry, and crisp fuel injection, the Z125 Pro remains a favorite choice for riders seeking an edgy, lightweight neighborhood runabout.
5. Honda Trail 125 (CT125)
Built on the same bulletproof 124cc fuel-injected engine platform as the Grom and Monkey, the Honda Trail 125 pays homage to the legendary CT series.
It features a semi-automatic four-speed transmission (no manual clutch lever required), a high-mount intake and exhaust, standard front ABS, and a heavy-duty rear cargo rack. Base MSRP sits around $4,199.
Pros:
- Light trail capability with dual-sport tires, bash plate, and high air intake
- Semi-automatic clutch makes stopping and starting effortless for beginners
- Massive built-in rear rack handles camping gear, groceries, or utility boxes
Cons:
- Higher price tag than the standard Grom
- Tops out around 50–55 mph, limiting it to back roads and trails
The Trail 125 is the ultimate backwoods camper accessory, pit bike, or relaxed rural commuter for North American riders.
Other Great 125cc Machines
Are there other great 125cc machines? Yes and no. There are plenty of other great small motorcycles. Many of them aren’t 125cc machines, though. They might be slightly more or less in terms of displacement.
That said, there are plenty of other small bikes out there, and I wrote about the best small motorcycles not long ago. Many of the same bikes featured here made that list, too.
If you’re open to a scooter, there are tons of small displacement and 125cc machines out there, from high-end Vespas to your ordinary Hondas. I wrote about the best scooters, too.
No matter what, you should be able to find a small displacement or 125cc motorcycle or scooter that fits your needs.
